We do love a good party here at Time Out Kids and there’s nothing better than a jolly gathering of friends when the stress is taken out of the whole celebratory event. At Surf School UAE they aim to please both parents and kids with their exciting and entertaining surfing parties. Offering fun games, activities and the chance to catch a wave or two, the parties are geared up for all ages and abilities.

Situated on what’s known locally as ‘Kite Beach’ (which is where slippery soccer is found), the parties are held slap bang in the middle of this popular family stretch of sand that has all sorts of handy facilities: showers, toilets, volleyball courts and thatched umbrellas for shade. The surf school brings all the party needs in the form of pop-up flags, tables and chairs, mats for the sand, cool boxes and even waterproof sunblock for the disorganised. They also bring a first aid kit for any bumps and bruises, but pride themselves on being injury-free so far, despite the massive amount of parties they do on a weekly basis.

Wetsuits and rash vests are provided and parents can put in a request for stand up paddleboards if the mood takes them. The parties are semi-mobile, so if there is a preferred spot that differs from the norm, they will do their best to accommodate any special requests, for an additional charge and as long as it ticks their required boxes (access to the sea is a big plus!).

Activities are selected depending on the age of the revellers, and while the kids are given basic instruction on surf skills, the purpose is to entertain and not to lecture. The surfboards are soft and safe to use so after a couple of hours of messing around, even the uninitiated surfer manages a wobbly wipeout (as long as they can all swim, of course).

There are plenty of other beach-based games organised to keep everybody’s interests buzzing and the party moving. All the coaches are professional, experienced surfers who are used to dealing with large groups of eager nippers, whatever their ages. Numbers are not limited, as they just gather in more surfing troops to accommodate while still keeping kids safe.

If mum and dad are too busy paddling around on their own boards to take precious pictures of the party boy or girl, then for an extra add on to the price package, a professional photographer can be hired to capture the experience. There’s always the obligatory line of surfboards shot for the ‘thank you’ cards cover, too. Pictures are put onto a disc, which can be collected from the Surf School shop, behind the Mall of Emirates, a few days later.

Party bags can also be added on to lessen the load for parents, and there’s a selection of Billabong giveaways, with watches, surfy stickers and sweets in a branded bag to be had. Luckily they always bring spares for the ones who forget to RSVP.

To make things as easy as falling off a surfboard, food can also be provided, with a couple of options offered. The basic package has a selection of soft drinks and snacks, while the premium version offers each child a couple of slices of margherita pizza with plates, cups and napkins thrown in for good measure. Parties are normally held in the afternoon, allowing two hours for the actual fun and frolicking in the waves with a half hour either side for set up and clearance. With so much energy expended, all attendees are guaranteed to sleep well that night.

Now the weather has cooled down and the sea temperature is pretty near perfect, surf parties are a great way of getting kids out and about in the open air. These action packed parties give them a taste of what it’s like to ride the waves, as long as the waves decide to make an appearance.Prices start from Dhs1,150 for up to 10 kids, 11-20 kids from Dhs1,350, Dhs1,550 for 21-30 kids, amd 30+ kids is from Dhs1,750. Party packs and food are charged per head. Surf School photography Dhs350, pro photography Dhs650. To find Kite Beach, go along Jumeira Beach Road towards Burj Al Arab, opposite Saga Centre, turn right towards the sea, and right again at the t-junction. www.surfschooluae.com (04 379 1998).